Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

Unsure if You Can afford Your Children’s  Vaccines?

Your children may be able to get free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program at healthcare providers offices, pharmacies and health clinics that are enrolled in the VFC Program. The VFC Program covers all vaccines included in the recommended childhood and preteen/teen vaccine schedules.

Are My Children Eligible for the VFC Program?

Children 18 years old and younger who meet at least one of the following requirements:

• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Medicaid-eligible
• Uninsured
• Underinsured

What Does Underinsured Mean?

Underinsured means that your child has health insurance, but the insurance policy:

• Doesn’t cover/pay for any vaccines
• Doesn’t cover/pay for certain recommended vaccines
• Does cover recommended vaccines, but has a fixed dollar limit or cap for payment

Where Can I Get My Child VFC Vaccines?

You can get vaccines for your child at any private doctor, private clinic, hospital, public health clinic, community health clinic, schools, or pharmacy that is an enrolled VFC Program provider.

If your child is underinsured, they can only get VFC vaccines at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).

Other Fees That a VFC Program Provider Might Charge

There is no cost for the vaccines given by VFC Program providers to eligible children.  But  the VFC Program does allow your healthcare provider to charge what is called an “administration fee”.

An administration fee is similar to a patient’s co-pay in that it helps providers offset their costs of doing business. Providers have the option to charge what they feel is fair, which could range from no charge at all, up to the maximum amount allowed by their state. This fee differs from state to state. Contact the District’s CMS Regional Medicaid office for questions about the administration fee.

Your VFC Program provider MAY charge:

• Fees for non-vaccine services during the same office visit, like an eye exam or blood test.
• An office fee for the visit.
  • If your child is covered by Medicaid, that office visit is paid for by Medicaid.
  • If your child is not covered by Medicaid, you are responsible for making appropriate payment arrangements with your doctor in relation to office visit charges.

Questions About VFC?

Find more information about the VFC program on CDC’s website or DC Health’s website. You can also ask your doctor.